Legal Battles Against Abuse: Tom Cifarelli on Protecting Children and Changing Laws

https://www.cifarelliinjurylaw.com/

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Tom Cifarelli has spent more than 30 years representing survivors of child sexual abuse.

Building a Reputation for Justice

Cifarelli began by working on catastrophic injury claims before pivoting to abuse litigation. He recalls alarming instances in which schools retained known offenders, despite prior incidents. One of his most significant legal achievements was securing the largest jury verdict in Los Angeles County history for student-on-student sexual violence. Another case resulted in a record-setting $9.5 million pre-trial settlement—the largest of its kind in California.

Addressing Statutes of Limitations

Survivors often struggle with trauma and repression, which can delay reporting for years. California law has been adjusted to accommodate repressed memory claims, and Cifarelli highlights the importance of these legal exceptions in enabling survivors to pursue justice despite delayed recollection.

Protecting Survivor Privacy

To help survivors remain anonymous and safe, Cifarelli files cases under pseudonyms such as Jane or John Doe. Additionally, evidence like therapy or school records is handled to preserve confidentiality and emotional security throughout litigation.

The Emotional Weight of Litigation

The act of filing a lawsuit can retraumatize survivors. Cifarelli urges legal actors to recognize this sensitivity and balance transparency with privacy, particularly in light of policies stemming from landmark decisions like MG vs. Time Warner.

Confronting Abuse Behind Closed Doors

Cifarelli’s cases often reveal abusers operating in trusted environments: schools, youth sports leagues, religious centers, and even medical settings. He notes the alarming number of abuse cases involving low-paid teachers, doctors, and clergy.

Institutional Accountability

Institutions sometimes fail to report or conceal abuse allegations. Mandatory reporters are legally required to notify child protection authorities, but enforcement is inconsistent. Grants and lawsuits have spurred changes—like hotlines and conduct codes—though more work remains.

Expanding Advocacy Despite Limitations

Though based in California, Cifarelli’s firm collaborates with out-of-state counsel to support survivors elsewhere. Even so, capacity constraints mean many valuable cases cannot be taken on, a situation he acknowledges with regret.

Conclusion: Law as Healing Path

Tom Cifarelli’s career exemplifies how legal action can offer survivors both justice and healing. Landmark verdicts, nuanced understanding of trauma, and unflinching institutional challenges show that carefully committed representation can break cycles of abuse and reinforce safety systems in schools, churches, and communities.

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